Plant Operations Manager

BASIC FUNCTION

The Plant Operations Manager oversees the daily execution of manufacturing strategies to ensure peak operational performance. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role leads a team of supervisors to drive a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. The primary goal is to exceed benchmarks in Safety, Quality, Labor Efficiency, OEE, Material Utilization, Sustainability, and Cost Control.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Strategy Execution: Plan and direct all manufacturing activities to meet or exceed production goals.
• Workflow Optimization: Structure processes and staffing levels to ensure maximum output with minimal waste.
• Quality & Compliance: Maintain strict production conditions to meet customer specs and regulatory requirements.
• Resource Management: Analyze material usage (virgin vs. regrind) to optimize cost and product integrity.

People & Culture

• Team Development: Direct and mentor Production Supervisors, ensuring alignment with key plant metrics.
• Safety & Morale: Foster a "Safety First" culture that promotes a positive, inclusive, and high-energy work environment.
• Talent Pipeline: Manage staffing levels through proactive recruitment, interviewing, and comprehensive training programs.

Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Operational Excellence: Identify and champion CI initiatives, leveraging Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to reduce costs and boost efficiency.
• Innovation: Propose and implement cost-effective upgrades to production processes and equipment.
• OEE Focus: Maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness across all lines through strategic scheduling and resource allocation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Thermoforming and Extrusion processes. Specific experience with CPET, PET, or PP materials is highly preferred.
• Decision Making: Strong ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage staff at all levels.
• Drive: A results-oriented leader with high personal initiative and a sense of ownership over the plants success.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel for data analysis) and ERP systems.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelors degree in manufacturing, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 10+ years in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a formal management role.
• Project Management: Proven track record of managing equipment installations or large-scale process improvement projects.
• Hands-on Background: Direct experience operating or troubleshooting Thermoforming and Extrusion machinery.

OTHER

• Maintain compliance with all company policies regarding safety, product legality (SQF/BRC), security, and regulatory standards.

What makes Sabert a great place to work:

Pay, benefits and more.

Sabert is eager to attract the best, so we offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package, including full health insurance (medical, dental and vision), 401(k), life insurance, disability and more. To learn more about our benefits click here.

Learn More About Sabert:

We are a leading global manufacturer of innovative food packaging products and solutions. The company was founded in 1983 grounded in the purpose of reinventing food packaging to nourish and protect our world. Today we design, manufacture, and distribute a wide spectrum of packaging solutions for food distributors, restaurants & caterers, grocery stores, national food chains and consumer entertaining.

Want more insight on what its like to work for Sabert? Click here to hear directly from our employees and learn more about our Companys mission.

Were committed to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with special needs or disabilities during our recruiting process, to learn more about accommodations please call (732) 721-5544 or email HR2@sabert.com for assistance. Please do not send resumes to the above email address, applications submitted via email will not be considered unless specifically invited to do so.

Sabert Corporation is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status, being a qualified individual with a disability, protected veteran status, political belief or activity, or any other basis prohibited by law or regulation.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work legally in the United States for Sabert. Sabert will not commence an employment-based immigration case to fill this open position